SWIMMING clubs from Armagh, Lurgan, Portadown and Banbridge have taken the initiative to form a ‘Cluster Swim Club Working Group’ with a view to considering the potential of creating a new regional training squad.
And just a month after the first meeting the squad was up and running!
The four clubs brought 32 of their most promising swimmers to the first session, led by coaches from all four clubs under the watchful eye of Ruth McQuillan, club development officer from Swim Ulster. The young swimmers were delighted with the opportunity to train with top class national swimmers and coaches; it gave them a real insight into what is needed to succeed in their chosen sport and they are already hungry for the next session.
The first meet would not have been possible without the support of the Orchard Leisure Centre in Armagh.
This new regional squad is an opportunity for swimmers and coaches to gain new skills, improve technique and share valuable knowledge while working together. It is hoped that the working group will open up communications between clubs and councils in the area by way of trying to achieve a consistent and shared approach to swimming and clubs (facility management and sports development).
By creating a local talented training squad, the group believes that the standard in swimming and coaching will be raised significantly.
